This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Korean
Vocabulary
목이 마르다

A2 adjective #1,500 most common 8 min read

목이 마르다

mogi mareuda Top 1,500

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to '목이 마르다' as a fixed chunk of vocabulary meaning 'I am thirsty'. At this stage, the focus is not heavily on the grammatical breakdown, but rather on survival communication. You learn to recognize '목이 말라요' (polite present tense) to express your basic physical need for water. It is usually taught alongside '배가 고파요' (I am hungry) and '아파요' (It hurts). A1 learners practice using this phrase in simple role-plays, such as ordering at a cafe or telling a teacher they need a water break. The primary goal is pronunciation and immediate practical application without worrying too much about the irregular conjugation rules behind it.

At the A2 level, learners begin to deconstruct the phrase '목이 마르다'. They learn that '목' means throat, '이' is the subject particle, and '마르다' is the adjective for 'to be dry'. Crucially, A2 is where the '르' irregular conjugation is explicitly taught. Learners practice transforming '마르다' into '말라요' (present), '말랐어요' (past), and '마를 거예요' (future). They also start using conjunctions like '아/어서' to give reasons: '목이 말라서 물을 마셔요' (I drink water because I am thirsty). This level focuses on grammatical accuracy and expanding the contexts in which the phrase can be used, such as describing someone else's state or asking questions using honorifics like '목이 마르세요?'.

At the B1 level, learners are comfortable with the mechanics of '목이 마르다' and begin to use it more fluidly in complex sentences. They can combine it with various grammar structures, such as '-기 때문에' (because), '-을 때' (when), and '-지만' (but). For example, '운동을 할 때는 항상 목이 마르기 때문에 물을 가지고 가야 해요' (Because I always get thirsty when I exercise, I have to take water). B1 learners also start differentiating it from synonyms like '갈증이 나다' and understand the appropriate contexts for each. They can read short stories or diary entries where the phrase is used to set a scene or describe a character's physical condition in detail.

At the B2 level, the usage of '목이 마르다' becomes highly natural and nuanced. Learners can use it in idiomatic or slightly metaphorical contexts, though its primary use remains literal. They understand subtle differences in tone, such as the exasperation in '아, 목말라 죽겠네' (Ah, I'm dying of thirst). B2 learners can engage in extended conversations about health, hydration, and weather, using the phrase effortlessly. They are also adept at using modifiers, such as '목이 너무 말라서' (because I am so thirsty) or '조금 목이 마른데' (I am a little thirsty, but...). They can comprehend native speakers using the phrase quickly and in various regional accents or casual speech styles.

At the C1 level, learners have native-like command over '목이 마르다'. They can seamlessly integrate it into sophisticated discourse, such as discussing the physiological effects of dehydration or analyzing literary texts where thirst is a central theme. They are fully aware of the etymological roots and the cultural implications of expressing bodily states through specific body parts in Korean. C1 learners can easily switch between highly formal registers (e.g., '환자분이 목이 마르시다고 합니다' - The patient says they are thirsty) and extremely casual slang. They can also play with the language, using metaphorical extensions of '마르다' in contexts like '애정이 마르다' (affection dries up), understanding the deep linguistic connections.

At the C2 level, the phrase '목이 마르다' is deeply internalized. Learners at this mastery level do not just use the phrase correctly; they understand its place within the broader tapestry of the Korean language. They can appreciate subtle poetic uses of the phrase in modern literature or traditional poetry. They can debate the stylistic choices of using '목이 마르다' versus '갈증을 느끼다' in academic or creative writing. Their pronunciation, intonation, and timing when using the phrase are indistinguishable from a native speaker. They can also intuitively understand and create novel compound words or expressions based on the root '마르다', demonstrating complete linguistic fluency and cultural resonance.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

목이 마르다 in 30 Seconds

Literally means 'throat is dry'.
Used to say 'I am thirsty'.
Requires '르' irregular conjugation.
Most common phrase for needing a drink.

The Korean phrase '목이 마르다' is a fundamental expression used to convey the physical sensation of thirst. Literally translating to 'the throat is dry,' this phrase perfectly encapsulates the physiological reality of needing hydration. In Korean culture, expressing bodily states often involves referencing specific body parts, and '목이 마르다' is a prime example of this linguistic pattern. When you say this, you are not just saying 'I am thirsty' in an abstract sense; you are vividly describing the dryness in your throat. This descriptive approach to physical sensations is a hallmark of the Korean language, making it highly expressive and relatable. Understanding this phrase is crucial for beginners as it addresses a basic human need and is used frequently in daily conversations, from ordering drinks at a cafe to expressing fatigue after a workout. The phrase consists of two main components: '목' (throat or neck) and '마르다' (to be dry). The subject particle '이' connects the noun to the adjective, indicating that it is specifically the throat that is experiencing the state of dryness.

Literal Translation: Throat is dry.

여름에는 땀을 많이 흘려서 목이 마르다.

Beyond its literal meaning, the phrase can also be used metaphorically in some literary contexts to express a deep yearning or desire for something, much like 'thirsting for knowledge' in English. However, in everyday speech, it is almost exclusively used to mean physical thirst.

물을 안 마셔서 목이 마릅니다.

Grammar Point: The particle '이' is used because '목' ends in a consonant. If the body part ended in a vowel, '가' would be used.

It is also important to note the difference between '목이 마르다' and '갈증이 나다'. While both mean to be thirsty, '목이 마르다' is more colloquial and commonly used in spoken Korean, whereas '갈증이 나다' (to have a thirst arise) sounds slightly more formal or clinical.

운동 후에 목이 말라요.

너무 더워서 목이 마르네요.

Usage Context: Use this phrase when asking for water at a restaurant or telling a friend you want to grab a drink.

아침에 일어나면 항상 목이 마르다.

By mastering this phrase, learners take a significant step in being able to articulate their physical needs in Korean, paving the way for more complex interactions and a deeper understanding of how the language constructs meaning through physical descriptions. The repetition of this phrase in daily life ensures that it is quickly memorized and easily recalled when needed.

Using '목이 마르다' correctly requires an understanding of Korean verb/adjective conjugation, specifically the irregular '르' (reu) conjugation. Because '마르다' ends in '르', it behaves differently when followed by a vowel-initial suffix. When conjugating into the present tense polite form (아/어요), the '으' in '르' is dropped, an extra 'ㄹ' is added to the preceding syllable, and '아요' is attached because the preceding vowel '아' is a bright vowel. Thus, '마르다' becomes '말라요'. This is a critical grammar point for A2 learners.

Conjugation Rule: 르 Irregular: Drop 으, add ㄹ to the bottom of the previous block, add 아/어.

저는 지금 목이 말라요.

In formal situations, such as speaking to a large group or in a professional setting, you use the deferential ending (ㅂ니다/습니다). Since '마르다' ends in a vowel, you attach 'ㅂ니다', resulting in '마릅니다'.

발표를 해서 목이 마릅니다.

Past Tense: To say 'I was thirsty', conjugate to '목이 말랐어요'.

When asking someone else if they are thirsty, you must consider honorifics. If you are asking an elder or a superior, you should insert the honorific infix '시'. The stem '마르' + '시' + '어요' becomes '마르세요'. So, '목이 마르세요?' is the polite way to ask 'Are you thirsty?'.

할머니, 목이 마르세요?

많이 걸어서 목이 말랐어요.

Future Tense: To express future or assumption: '목이 마를 거예요' (I will be thirsty / You must be thirsty).

짠 음식을 먹으면 목이 마를 거예요.

Understanding these conjugations ensures that you can express your physical state accurately across different times and social situations. Practice the '르' irregular conjugation specifically, as it is a common stumbling block for beginners but essential for natural-sounding Korean.

You will encounter '목이 마르다' in virtually every aspect of daily life in Korea, as it describes a universal human condition. One of the most common places you will hear this phrase is in restaurants or cafes. When dining out, a friend might say '목이 말라요' before calling the waiter to ask for more water. In Korean culture, water is usually provided for free at restaurants, often self-serve, so hearing someone declare their thirst is usually the precursor to someone standing up to fetch the water pitcher.

In Restaurants: Used as a prompt to order drinks or get water.

저기요, 목이 말라서 그런데 물 좀 주세요.

Another frequent context is during or after physical activities. Whether you are hiking up one of Korea's many beautiful mountains, playing soccer, or just walking outside during the humid Korean summer, '목이 마르다' is the go-to expression to indicate you need a break and some hydration.

등산을 했더니 목이 마르네요.

In Dramas: Characters often say '목말라' when waking up with a hangover.

You will also hear it in the context of eating certain foods. Korean cuisine features many salty and spicy dishes, such as Kimchi Jjigae or Tteokbokki. Eating these naturally induces thirst, so it is common to hear people say they are thirsty while or after eating these meals.

매운 떡볶이를 먹어서 목이 말라요.

우리 아기, 목이 마르니?

At the Convenience Store: People might mutter this to themselves while browsing the beverage aisle.

아, 목마르다. 음료수 하나 사야지.

Recognizing this phrase in these diverse contexts will help you understand the natural flow of Korean conversations and allow you to participate more fully in shared social experiences.

A frequent mistake learners make with '목이 마르다' involves its conjugation. Because '마르다' is a '르' irregular verb, beginners often incorrectly conjugate it as '마라요' or '마르어요' instead of the correct '말라요'. This is a very noticeable error to native speakers. Mastering the '르' irregular rule is essential not just for this word, but for many other common Korean verbs and adjectives like '빠르다' (to be fast) and '다르다' (to be different).

Conjugation Error: Incorrect: 목이 마라요. Correct: 목이 말라요.

저는 지금 목이 말라요.

Another common mistake is using the wrong particle. Since '목이 마르다' translates to 'I am thirsty' in English, English speakers might try to use the topic marker '는' on themselves and make '마르다' the main verb, saying something like '저는 마르다', which actually means 'I am skinny/dry' rather than 'I am thirsty'. The correct structure requires '목' (throat) to be the subject of '마르다'.

제가 목이 마릅니다.

Particle Error: Incorrect: 목을 마르다. Correct: 목이 마르다.

Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse '목이 마르다' with '배가 고프다' (to be hungry). While both describe physical needs, they are completely different phrases. It is helpful to associate '목' (throat) with drinking and '배' (stomach) with eating.

밥을 안 먹어서 배가 고프고, 물을 안 마셔서 목이 마르다.

여름에는 쉽게 목이 마르기 때문에 물을 자주 마셔야 합니다.

Action Verb Confusion: Do not use action verb endings like -고 있다 (목이 마르고 있다) because it is an adjective.

지금 너무 목이 말라요.

By paying attention to these common pitfalls—specifically the irregular conjugation, the correct use of subject particles, and distinguishing it from other bodily sensations—learners can use '목이 마르다' confidently and accurately.

While '목이 마르다' is the most common way to say 'I am thirsty', there are several other words and phrases in Korean that express similar concepts, each with its own nuance. The most direct synonym is '갈증이 나다' (to feel thirsty / to have a thirst arise). '갈증' is a Sino-Korean word meaning 'thirst', and '나다' means 'to occur' or 'to arise'. This phrase is slightly more formal than '목이 마르다' and is often used in medical contexts, news reports, or when describing a severe, prolonged state of thirst.

갈증이 나다: More formal, translates to 'thirst arises'.

더운 날씨에 갈증이 납니다.

Another related word is '건조하다' (to be dry). While '목이 마르다' specifically refers to the throat, '건조하다' is used for general dryness, such as dry skin, dry weather, or a dry room. You would not say '나는 건조하다' to mean you are thirsty; you would use it to say your skin is dry.

겨울에는 공기가 건조합니다.

타는 듯하다: Means 'feels like it is burning', used for extreme thirst.

For extreme thirst, you might hear the descriptive phrase '목이 타는 듯하다' (feels like the throat is burning). This is an emphatic way to express severe dehydration, often used in dramatic storytelling or after extreme exertion.

사막에서 목이 타는 듯한 갈증을 느꼈다.

나 너무 목말라.

물 마시고 싶다: Literally 'I want to drink water', a functional equivalent.

목이 말라서 물을 마시고 싶어요.

Understanding these nuances allows learners to choose the most appropriate expression for the situation, whether they are casually asking a friend for a sip of water or describing a grueling hike in the summer heat.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

목이 말라요.

I am thirsty.

Polite present tense of 마르다.

물 주세요. 목이 말라요.

Please give me water. I am thirsty.

Using basic imperative + statement of state.

저는 목이 마릅니다.

I am thirsty (formal).

Formal present tense -ㅂ니다.

목이 안 말라요.

I am not thirsty.

Negative form using 안.

목말라?

Are you thirsty? (casual)

Casual form, dropping the particle 이.

주스 주세요. 목이 말라요.

Please give me juice. I am thirsty.

Combining vocabulary (주스) with the phrase.

아, 목말라.

Ah, I'm thirsty.

Exclamatory casual use.

목이 말라요? 물 마셔요.

Are you thirsty? Drink water.

Question and suggestion in polite form.

운동을 해서 목이 말라요.

I am thirsty because I exercised.

Using -아/어서 to show reason.

어제 너무 더워서 목이 말랐어요.

I was thirsty yesterday because it was too hot.

Past tense 말랐어요.

짠 음식을 먹으면 목이 마를 거예요.

If you eat salty food, you will be thirsty.

Future/supposition -을 거예요.

목이 마르지만 물이 없어요.

I am thirsty, but there is no water.

Using -지만 for contrast.

할머니, 목이 마르세요?

Grandma, are you thirsty?

Honorific form -으세요.

목이 마르기 전에 물을 마시세요.

Drink water before you get thirsty.

Using -기 전에 (before).

조금 목이 마른데, 카페 갈까요?

I'm a little thirsty, shall we go to a cafe?

Using -은데 as a background clause.

목이 말라서 잠이 깼어요.

I woke up because I was thirsty.

Cause and effect with -아/어서.

날씨가 너무 건조해서 계속 목이 마르네요.

The weather is so dry that I keep getting thirsty.

Using -네요 for realization/surprise.

목이 마를 때마다 이 차를 마셔 보세요.

Try drinking this tea whenever you are thirsty.

Using -ㄹ 때마다 (whenever).

아무리 물을 마셔도 계속 목이 마릅니다.

No matter how much water I drink, I keep feeling thirsty.

Using 아무리 -아/어도 (no matter how).

발표를 하는 동안 긴장해서 목이 많이 말랐습니다.

I was so nervous during the presentation that I got very thirsty.

Using -는 동안 (while/during).

목이 마르지 않게 물병을 항상 가지고 다녀요.

I always carry a water bottle so that I don't get thirsty.

Using -지 않게 (so as not to).

목이 마른 것 같아서 음료수를 사 왔어.

I bought some drinks because it seemed like you were thirsty.

Using -은 것 같아서 (because it seems like).

등산 중에 목이 마르면 참지 말고 바로 말해.

If you get thirsty while hiking, don't hold it in and tell me right away.

Using -지 말고 (don't do X but do Y).

여름철에는 목이 마르다고 느끼기 전에 수분을 보충해야 합니다.

In summer, you need to replenish fluids before you feel thirsty.

Quoting form -다고 느끼다.

당뇨병의 초기 증상 중 하나가 비정상적으로 목이 마른 것입니다.

One of the early symptoms of diabetes is being abnormally thirsty.

Noun modifier -은 것.

목이 타는 듯이 말라서 침조차 삼키기 힘들었다.

My throat was so dry it felt like it was burning, making it hard to even swallow saliva.

Using -는 듯이 (as if) and -조차 (even).

그는 긴장한 기색이 역력했고, 연신 목이 마른 듯 물을 들이켰다.

He looked clearly nervous and kept gulping down water as if he were thirsty.

Descriptive narrative style.

아무리 성공을 거두어도 그의 마음속 어딘가에는 늘 목이 마른 구석이 있었다.

No matter how much success he achieved, there was always a part of his heart that felt thirsty (unsatisfied).

Metaphorical use of the phrase.

목이 마르다 못해 이제는 아프기까지 하네요.

I'm not just thirsty; my throat even hurts now.

Using -다 못해 (unable to stop at X, progressing to Y).

갈증을 해소하려면 목이 마르기 시작할 때 조금씩 자주 마시는 게 좋습니다.

To quench your thirst, it's best to drink a little bit frequently when you start feeling thirsty.

Complex sentence structure for advice.

그렇게 땀을 뻘뻘 흘리면서 일했으니 목이 마를 수밖에 없지.

Since you worked sweating profusely like that, it's inevitable that you're thirsty.

Using -ㄹ 수밖에 없다 (have no choice but to / inevitable).

단 음료는 일시적으로 갈증을 잊게 할 뿐, 결국엔 더 목이 마르게 만듭니다.

Sweet drinks only make you temporarily forget your thirst; ultimately, they make you thirstier.

Causative form -게 만들다.

지독한 가뭄으로 대지가 쩍쩍 갈라지듯, 내 목도 타들어 가는 듯이 말랐다.

Just as the earth cracked from the severe drought, my throat was dry as if it were burning up.

Advanced literary simile using -듯.

단순히 생리적으로 목이 마른 것을 넘어, 그는 새로운 지식에 대한 지적 갈증에 시달리고 있었다.

Beyond simply being physiologically thirsty, he was suffering from an intellectual thirst for new knowledge.

Contrasting literal and figurative meanings.

그녀는 무대 위에서 스포트라이트를 받을 때마다 극도의 긴장감으로 인해 입안이 바짝바짝 마르고 목이 마름을 느꼈다.

Whenever she was in the spotlight on stage, she felt her mouth dry up and her throat get thirsty due to extreme tension.

Using mimetic word 바짝바짝.

수분 섭취가 부족하여 혈액이 끈적해지면 뇌의 시상하부가 이를 감지하고 목이 마르다는 신호를 보냅니다.

When blood becomes viscous due to lack of fluid intake, the hypothalamus in the brain detects this and sends a signal that you are thirsty.

Scientific/academic register.

목이 마르다는 것은 이미 체내 수분의 1~2%가 손실되었음을 의미하는 지각 후행적 신호입니다.

Feeling thirsty is a lagging perceptual signal meaning that 1-2% of body water has already been lost.

Formal defining structure -는 것은 -을 의미하다.

아무리 부와 명예를 축적해도 채워지지 않는, 영혼이 목이 마른 상태를 그는 견딜 수 없었다.

He could not endure the state of his soul being thirsty, unfulfilled no matter how much wealth and honor he accumulated.

Deeply philosophical/metaphorical usage.

사막 한가운데서 길을 잃은 조난자는 목이 마르다 못해 환각마저 경험하기 시작했다.

The castaway lost in the middle of the desert was so thirsty that he even began experiencing hallucinations.

Extreme progression using -다 못해 and -마저.

현대인들은 정보의 홍수 속에서도 역설적으로 진정한 지혜에 대해서는 늘 목이 마르다고 호소한다.

Modern people, despite being in a flood of information, paradoxically complain that they are always thirsty for true wisdom.

Sociological commentary.

그 시인의 후기 작품들은 세속적 욕망이 탈각된 채, 오직 절대자를 향해 목이 마른 구도자의 내면을 투영하고 있다.

The poet's later works project the inner mind of a seeker thirsty only for the Absolute, stripped of worldly desires.

Literary critique register.

자본주의 사회에서 소비자는 끊임없이 새로운 상품에 목이 마르도록 구조적으로 길들여져 있다.

In a capitalist society, consumers are structurally conditioned to be constantly thirsty for new products.

Societal analysis using -도록 길들여지다.

목이 마르다는 생리적 감각 기표가 문학적 층위에서 어떻게 결핍의 기의로 치환되는지 살펴보자.

Let us examine how the physiological sensory signifier of being thirsty is substituted with the signified of deficiency at the literary level.

Academic linguistic/semiotic terminology.

그는 권력에 대한 타는 듯한 갈증을 숨기지 않았고, 그 목마름은 결국 그를 파멸의 구렁텅이로 몰아넣었다.

He did not hide his burning thirst for power, and that thirst ultimately drove him into the abyss of ruin.

Using the noun form 목마름 in a dramatic narrative.

인간 실존의 근원적 고독은 마치 밑빠진 독에 물을 붓는 것처럼, 영원히 해갈되지 않는 목마름과 같다.

The fundamental loneliness of human existence is like pouring water into a bottomless jug, a thirst that is never eternally quenched.

Profound existential metaphor.

언어의 한계로 인해 온전히 발화되지 못한 감정들은 가슴 깊은 곳에서 응어리져, 늘 표현에 목이 마른 상태로 부유한다.

Emotions that cannot be fully uttered due to the limits of language knot up deep in the chest, floating in a state of always being thirsty for expression.

Highly poetic and abstract syntax.

그 역사적 사건은 민중들이 얼마나 민주주의에 목이 말라 있었는지를 방증하는 결정적 계기가 되었다.

That historical event became a decisive turning point proving how thirsty the masses had been for democracy.

Historical analysis using 방증하다.

생존을 위한 원초적 갈망으로서의 '목이 마르다'는 감각은 인류 진화의 궤적을 추동한 가장 강력한 기제 중 하나이다.

The sensation of 'being thirsty' as a primal craving for survival is one of the most powerful mechanisms that drove the trajectory of human evolution.

Evolutionary biology/anthropology register.

Common Collocations

목이 심하게 마르다

목이 바짝 마르다

목이 타는 듯이 마르다

자주 목이 마르다

쉽게 목이 마르다

항상 목이 마르다

갑자기 목이 마르다

계속 목이 마르다

목이 말라 죽겠다

목이 말라 깨다

Common Phrases

목이 말라서 물을 마시다

목이 마르면 말하세요

목이 마를 때 마시는 차

목이 마르기 전에

목이 말라 죽겠어

너무 목이 말라요

목이 마르지 않게

목이 마른 것 같아요

목이 마를 텐데

목이 말라서 그래요

Often Confused With

목이 마르다 vs 배가 고프다 (to be hungry)

목이 마르다 vs 마르다 (to be skinny/dry)

목이 마르다 vs 목이 아프다 (throat hurts)

Idioms & Expressions

Easily Confused

목이 마르다 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

Describes a state, not an action. Therefore, progressive forms like '목이 마르고 있다' are unnatural.

formality shifts

Can easily shift from casual '목말라' to formal '목이 마릅니다' by changing the ending.

Common Mistakes

Conjugating as '마라요' instead of '말라요'.
Using the object particle '을' (목을 마르다).
Saying '나는 마르다' to mean 'I am thirsty'.
Using progressive tense '목이 마르고 있다'.
Confusing it with '배가 고프다' (hungry).

Tips

Master the '르' Irregular

Practice the '르' irregular rule with other words like 빠르다 (fast) -> 빨라요, and 다르다 (different) -> 달라요. It works exactly the same way as 마르다 -> 말라요.

Link the Sounds

When saying '목이', the consonant 'ㄱ' moves over to the empty consonant slot in '이'. Pronounce it smoothly as [모기] (mo-gi), not [목.이].

Drop the Particle in Casual Speech

When speaking casually with friends, you don't need to say '목이 말라'. Just saying '목말라' sounds much more natural and native-like.

Pair with '배가 고프다'

Learn '목이 마르다' and '배가 고프다' (to be hungry) together. They are the two most common phrases for basic physical needs and have similar sentence structures.

Self-Serve Water

If you are at a Korean restaurant and feel '목이 마르다', look around for a water purifier (정수기). Water is often '셀프' (self-serve) in casual dining spots.

Use -아/어서 for Reasons

To explain why you are drinking water, use the connector -아/어서. '목이 말라서 물을 마셔요' (I drink water because I am thirsty).

Listen for '말라'

In fast conversation, you might not hear the '목이' part clearly. If you hear someone say '말라요' or '말랐어' while reaching for a cup, they are thirsty.

Don't use for dry skin

Remember that '목이 마르다' is strictly for thirst. If your skin or the air is dry, use '건조하다' instead.

Expressing Extreme Thirst

If you are very thirsty, add '너무' (too/very) or '진짜' (really). '너무 목이 말라요!' (I am so thirsty!).

Spacing Matters

In formal writing, remember to put a space between '목이' and '마르다'. If you use the compound word '목마르다', there is no space.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine your throat (MOK) is a MARsh that has dried up (MA-REU-DA).

Word Origin

Native Korean

Cultural Context

Complaining excessively about being thirsty in a formal setting can be seen as lacking endurance.

Always use honorifics (목이 마르세요?) when asking elders.

Often accompanied by touching the throat or fanning oneself.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"운동을 많이 하셨네요. 목이 마르지 않으세요?"

"날씨가 덥네요. 목말라요?"

"커피 드실래요? 목이 마르네요."

"물 좀 드릴까요? 목이 마르신 것 같아요."

"짠 걸 먹었더니 목이 마르네요. 뭐 좀 마실까요?"

Journal Prompts

여름에 가장 목이 마를 때는 언제인가요?

목이 마를 때 가장 마시고 싶은 음료는 무엇인가요?

운동 후 목이 마를 때의 기분을 묘사해 보세요.

사막에서 목이 마른 상황을 상상하며 글을 써보세요.

건강을 위해 목이 마르기 전에 물을 마시는 습관에 대해 쓰세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

This is due to the '르' irregular conjugation rule in Korean. When a verb or adjective stem ends in '르' and is followed by a vowel (like 아/어), the '으' is dropped, and an extra 'ㄹ' is added to the preceding syllable. Since '마' has a bright vowel, it takes '아요', resulting in '말라요'.

No. '나는 마르다' means 'I am skinny' or 'I am dry'. To say you are thirsty, you must specify that your throat (목) is dry. The correct phrase is '나는 목이 마르다'.

They mean exactly the same thing. '목이 마르다' is a phrase consisting of a noun, a particle, and an adjective. '목마르다' is a compound adjective that has been fused together over time. Both are perfectly acceptable and used interchangeably.

You should use the honorific infix '-시-'. The stem is '마르', so you add '시' and the polite ending '어요', which becomes '마르세요?'. The full sentence is '목이 마르세요?'.

In Korean grammar, it is an adjective (descriptive verb). It describes the state of your throat being dry. This is important because it means you cannot use action verb endings like '-고 있다' (present progressive).

Yes, especially in literature or advanced speech. You can say things like '사랑에 목이 마르다' (to be thirsty for love) or '성공에 목이 마르다' (to be thirsty for success). However, in daily conversation, it usually means physical thirst.

Korean often uses specific body parts to describe physical and emotional states. For example, '배가 고프다' (stomach is hungry), '눈이 높다' (eyes are high = to have high standards). It's a fundamental characteristic of the language's descriptive nature.

You conjugate the adjective into the past tense. Following the '르' irregular rule, '말라요' becomes '말랐어요' in the polite past tense. So, '목이 말랐어요'.

If you are thirsty, you can say '네, 목이 말라요' (Yes, I am thirsty) or '네, 물 좀 주세요' (Yes, please give me some water). If not, say '아니요, 괜찮아요' (No, I'm fine).

Yes, it is perfectly natural in both spoken and written Korean. In formal writing (like an essay or a book), you would use the plain form '목이 마르다' or the formal form '목이 마릅니다'.